A former mid-Michigan funeral director charged with embezzling nearly $500,000 will be allowed to withdraw his pleas in the case.

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By AP

Sault Ste. Marie Evening News - Sault Ste. Marie, MI

By AP

Posted Dec. 24, 2013 at 4:16 PM

By AP
Posted Dec. 24, 2013 at 4:16 PM

IONIA, Mich.

A former mid-Michigan funeral director charged with embezzling nearly $500,000 will be allowed to withdraw his pleas in the case.

Marti Schrauben is accused of embezzling from the business by creating false death certificates and sending them to insurance companies in order to receive payment.

Schrauben initially faced 27 counts, including embezzlement, forgery and insurance fraud. He pleaded guilty in March to one felony count and no contest for four others under a deal with the state attorney general's office that required him to pay restitution and relinquish his mortuary license. The agreement also capped any jail sentence at one year.

But Ionia County Circuit Court Judge David Hoort says he can't abide by the sentencing cap, meaning Schrauben can withdraw his pleas.